U.S. patent application number 13/141271 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for mounting system for an electronic teaching board.
This patent application is currently assigned to Teachyou B.V.. Invention is credited to Antonius Theodorus Smeenk.
Application Number | 20120112025 13/141271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41683544 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120112025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smeenk; Antonius Theodorus |
May 10, 2012 |
MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC TEACHING BOARD
Abstract
The invention relates to a mounting system (1) for mounting an
electronic teaching board (2) on a surface, comprising four legs
(4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) which are mutually connected such that the
position of the electronic teaching board can be adjusted in both
horizontal and vertical direction and arresting means for locking
the electronic teaching board in the adjusted position.
Inventors: |
Smeenk; Antonius Theodorus;
(Silvolde, NL) |
Assignee: |
Teachyou B.V.
Silvolde
NL
|
Family ID: |
41683544 |
Appl. No.: |
13/141271 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 17, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL2009/050774 |
371 Date: |
August 18, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/287.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/027 20130101;
F16M 11/2014 20130101; F16M 2200/063 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101;
F16M 2200/065 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; F16M 11/04 20130101;
F16M 11/2092 20130101; G03B 21/562 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101;
F16M 11/38 20130101; F16M 2200/044 20130101; F16M 11/18 20130101;
F16M 11/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/287.1 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/00 20060101
H05K007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2008 |
NL |
2002369 |
Feb 5, 2009 |
NL |
2002498 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. A mounting system (1) for mounting an electronic teaching board
(2) on a surface, wherein the mounting system is adapted such that
the position of the electronic teaching board relative to the
surface can be adjusted in both horizontal and vertical direction,
said mounting system comprising four legs (4A, 4B, 4C and 4D)
wherein the four legs (4A, 4B, 4C and 4D) are connected in mutually
pivotable manner to form a parallelogram, first fixing means (30)
for fixing the electronic teaching board to a first one of the legs
(4C), such that the electronic teaching board extends parallel to
the first leg (4C), second fixing means (24) for fixing at least a
second one of the legs (4D) to the surface, such that the second
leg (4D) extends parallel to the surface, said second leg (4D)
extending substantially parallel to the first leg (4C), wherein the
first fixing means (30) are adapted for rotatable fixing of the
electronic teaching board to the first leg (4C) and wherein the
second fixing means (24) are adapted for rotatable fixing of the
second leg (4D) to the surface, which mounting system further
comprises arresting means for arresting the electronic teaching
board in the adjusted position, wherein the arresting means
comprise first rotation arresting means for arresting an adjusted
rotational position of the electronic teaching board by arresting
the first fixing means (30) relative to the first leg (4C), wherein
the arresting means comprise second rotation arresting means for
arresting an adjusted rotational position of the rotatable second
leg (4D) relative to the second fixing means (24).
12. A mounting system (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first
and/or second rotation arresting means are adapted to engage
clampingly on a rotation shaft such that the rotation arresting
means allow setting of a rotational position and, once it has been
set, lock a rotational position against rotation of its own
accord.
13. A mounting system (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first
and/or second rotation arresting means comprise a holder (26) for
passage of the rotation shaft, which holder is covered on the inner
side with friction material (36) and is provided with adjusting
means for setting the degree of clamping of the holder.
14. A mounting system (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first
leg (4C) for fixing of the electronic teaching board and/or the
rotatable second leg (4D) take an at least partially hollow form
for the purpose of receiving a rotation shaft, and wherein the
first and/or second rotation arresting means are arranged on the
respective leg.
15. A mounting system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first
fixing means comprise a frame (30) attached fixedly to a tubular
member (31).
16. A mounting system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second
fixing means comprise two wall supports (24) and a tubular element
(24D) attached to the wall supports.
17. A mounting system (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the
arresting means comprise height arresting means for arresting an
adjusted height position of the electronic teaching board, which
height arresting means extend between two of the legs (4A, 4D).
18. A mounting system (1) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
height arresting means comprise a linear actuator (5).
19. A mounting system (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the
electronic teaching board is an electronic whiteboard, and wherein
the mounting system is also adapted for mounting of a projector for
co-action with the electronic whiteboard (2).
20. A mounting system (1) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the leg
(4C) for fixing of the electronic teaching board consists of two
parts (34A and 34B) lying substantially mutually in line, wherein
at least one of the parts is intended for passage of a part of a
support (3) for the projector.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a mounting system for mounting an
electronic teaching board on a surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electronic teaching boards, also referred to as digital
blackboards or digiboards for short, are increasingly being applied
in education and in other places where people work together, such
as offices. An electronic teaching board is an interactive teaching
board connected to a computer with associated control software.
Diverse operations can be carried out on the electronic teaching
board. As with a standard blackboard, usually a chalkboard,
instructions can be written thereon manually and can now be
digitally stored using the computer. In addition, computer images
can be shown thereon.
[0003] An example of a commonly used type of electronic teaching
board is an electronic whiteboard. The electronic whiteboard
co-acts with a video projector (also referred to as a beamer) with
which the images, including presentations, internet pages, films
and so on can be shown on the electronic whiteboard.
[0004] In the present situation these electronic whiteboards are
generally mounted fixedly on the wall at the front of the
classroom. The projector is fixed to the ceiling or on a wall
bracket. In a number of cases the electronic whiteboards are
height-adjustable, the projector then co-displacing on an arm. The
existing chalkboard is usually removed; a traditional whiteboard is
often also mounted to enable writing of annotations to be kept for
longer.
[0005] EP 1785064 describes an example of a mounting system for
mounting an electronic teaching board on a surface, wherein the
position of the electronic teaching board is height-adjustable.
[0006] Owing to the arrangement of the electronic teaching board at
the front all students are greatly involved in the presentation on
the board. In a number of cases this is desirable, in other cases
it is better if the attention of the whole class is not directed at
the digiboard, for instance if the instruction or presentation is
intended for only one group in a combined class or if instruction
is being given to a relatively small group of students who are
having problems with the subject matter or who, on the contrary,
are engaged in more in-depth or advanced study. Students to whom
the presented material is of no interest may be distracted by
it.
[0007] In recent years education has become increasingly adaptive:
this means that differences between students are taken into
account. Inherent to this are working in groups, processing subject
matter independently, researching, optionally together with others.
In addition, a teacher increasingly gives instruction to groups of
students, or he/she acts increasingly as a coach/mentor.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] With the arrival of electronic teaching boards, education is
at risk of once again becoming more frontal, and thereby possibly
even more classical. The achievements of adaptive education are in
danger of being partially lost.
[0009] There is therefore a need for a mounting system which makes
it possible for the electronic teaching board to be used by or for
smaller groups of students without the rest of the class thereby
being too greatly distracted.
[0010] In order to meet this need the invention provides a mounting
system for mounting an electronic teaching board on a surface,
comprising four legs which are connected for mutual pivoting, first
fixing means for fixing the electronic teaching board to one or
more of the legs, second fixing means for fixing at least one of
the legs to the surface, wherein the mounting system is adapted
such that the position of the electronic teaching board relative to
the surface can be adjusted in both horizontal and vertical
direction, which mounting system further comprises arresting means
for arresting the electronic teaching board in the adjusted
position, wherein the first fixing means are adapted for rotatable
fixing of the electronic teaching board to one of the legs and/or
wherein one of the legs is adapted for rotatable fixing to the
surface.
[0011] Using the mounting system according to the invention the
position of the electronic teaching board can be adjusted such that
it can be viewed from any desired position in a classroom. The
viewing angle can be optimally adjusted through rotation of the
electronic teaching board, as a result of which the flexibility of
the mounting system according to the invention is increased still
further. The rotatable fixing to the surface, such as a wall or a
pillar, in a classroom increases still further the flexibility and
the number of adjustment options, and thereby the viewing angle.
When it is not in use the electronic teaching board can moreover be
set to a `folded-away` position, for instance flat against the
wall. This creates the possibility of not only using the electronic
teaching board with mounting system according to the invention as
an alternative to an existing chalkboard, but also of optionally
mounting it adjacently thereof as an addition thereto.
[0012] According to a first preferred embodiment, the four legs are
connected in mutually pivotable manner to form a parallelogram. A
parallelogram provides great flexibility for adjusting the position
of the electronic teaching board and, in addition, sufficient
strength for the intended application of mounting an electronic
teaching board.
[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment, the arresting
means comprise first rotation arresting means for arresting an
adjusted rotational position of the electronic teaching board. The
electronic teaching board can be locked prior to use in its set
rotational position by means of the rotation arresting means.
[0014] According to a further development of this preferred
embodiment, the arresting means comprise second rotation arresting
means for arresting an adjusted rotational position of the
rotatable leg. The mounting system can be locked in the adjusted,
for instance `folded-away` position by means of the rotation
arresting means.
[0015] According to a very advantageous preferred embodiment, the
first and/or second rotation arresting means are adapted to engage
clampingly on a rotation shaft such that the rotation arresting
means allow setting of a rotational position and, once it has been
set, lock a rotational position against rotation of its own accord.
Such rotation arresting means provide an increased convenience of
use. This is because it is not necessary to actuate or adjust them
time and again. The desired degree of arrest is adjusted once
during installation of the mounting system according to the
invention, after which any desired position of the electronic
teaching board can be adjusted and, once set, is immediately locked
against undesired movement.
[0016] According to a practical embodiment, the first and/or second
rotation arresting means comprise a holder for passage of the
rotation shaft, which holder is covered on the inner side with
friction material and is provided with adjusting means for setting
the degree of clamping of the holder. A holder with friction
material is a practical and reliable embodiment for the desired
function of the rotation arresting means. According to a further
elegant embodiment, the leg for fixing of the electronic teaching
board and/or the rotatable leg take an at least partially hollow
form for the purpose of receiving a rotation shaft, and the first
and/or second rotation arresting means are arranged on the
respective leg.
[0017] According to another preferred embodiment, the arresting
means comprise height arresting means for arresting an adjusted
height position of the electronic teaching board, which height
arresting means extend between two of the legs. The set height
position can be locked in reliable manner by means of the height
arresting means. According to a preferred embodiment, the height
arresting means comprise a linear actuator. A linear actuator
provides a reliable and affordable embodiment of the height
arresting means.
[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the electronic
teaching board is an electronic whiteboard, and the mounting system
according to the invention is also adapted for mounting of a
projector for co-action with the electronic whiteboard. In this
embodiment the mounting system according to the invention is
adapted for use with an electronic whiteboard. Electronic
whiteboards are currently the most common electronic teaching
boards in education.
[0019] According to a practical embodiment of the mounting system
according to the invention, the leg for fixing of the electronic
teaching board consists of two parts lying substantially mutually
in line, wherein at least one of the parts is intended for passage
of a part of a support for the projector. In this embodiment the
mounting system takes an extremely compact form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a first preferred embodiment of a mounting
system according to the invention with an electronic teaching board
therein; FIG. 1B shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1C shows a detail of FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0021] FIG. 1D shows an alternative to the rotation arresting means
of FIG. 1C;
[0022] FIG. 1 E shows a second preferred embodiment of a mounting
system according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a third preferred embodiment of the mounting
system according to the invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the mounting
system according to the invention;
[0025] FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B illustrate the alternative rotation
arresting means of FIG. 3 in more detail;
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the mounting
system according to the invention; and
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a number of possible positions of use of the
mounting system according to the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first preferred embodiment of
mounting system 1 according to the invention. Mounting system 1 is
intended for mounting an electronic teaching board 2 on a surface,
for instance a wall or a pillar (see FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7). Shown as
an example of an electronic teaching board is an electronic
whiteboard, which will be referred to simply as `board` in the
following description.
[0029] Mounting system 1 comprises four legs 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D
which are mutually connected for pivoting by means of pivot points
S. The resulting pivotable structure is referred to here as a
`parallelogram`. In the shown preferred embodiment the
parallelogram can be fixed in the shown position to a surface (not
shown). Legs 4A and 4B extend substantially parallel to each other
in a generally horizontal direction. Legs 4C and 4D likewise extend
substantially parallel to each other in a generally vertical
direction. In the shown preferred embodiment the means for fixing
mounting system 1 to the surface comprise two wall supports 24
which are mounted on leg 4D. Leg 4D is rotatable relative to wall
supports 24. This is achieved in that leg 4D forms a hollow outer
casing which is mounted for rotation round a tubular element 24D,
which is in turn attached fixed to wall supports 24. Tubular
element 24D functions as rotation shaft.
[0030] In the shown preferred embodiment the pivotable character of
mounting system 1 enables a height adjustment. The set position of
the four legs relative to each other can be locked using height
arresting means. In the shown preferred embodiment the height
arresting means preferably comprise a linear actuator 5. In the
shown preferred embodiment this linear actuator 5 extends between
leg 4A and leg 4D.
[0031] Mounting system 1 also comprises means for fixing board 2 to
one or more of the legs. In this example board 2 is fixed in this
shown preferred embodiment to leg 4C by means of a frame 30. Frame
30 is generally H-shaped and can consist of one or more parts.
Fixing means 30 of board 2 are adapted for rotatable mounting
relative to one of the legs, in this example leg 4C. Leg 4C forms a
hollow outer casing 34. In the shown preferred embodiment the
hollow outer casing consists of two bushes 34A and 34B. Bush 34A is
connected pivotally to leg 4A and bush 348 is connected pivotally
to leg 4B. Extending through bushes 34A and 346 is a second tubular
member 31 which is rotatable relative to bushes 34A and 34B. The
second tubular member 31 functions as rotation shaft. Frame 30 is
attached fixedly to the rotatable tubular member 31 by means of
fixing elements 32.
[0032] Mounting system 1 is provided with first and second rotation
arresting means. The first rotation arresting means are adapted to
arrest rotatable leg 4D relative to the surface. These first
rotation arresting means are shown in more detail in FIG. 1C. The
second rotation arresting means are adapted to arrest/lock frame 30
relative to leg 4C. Both the first and the second rotation
arresting means are adapted to engage clampingly round tubular
member 24D, 31 respectively. The rotation arresting means comprise
a holder 26 which is covered on the inner side with friction
material 36. Holder 26 clamps round tubular member 24D. The degree
of clamping can be set by means of an adjusting screw 46. Holder 26
is fixedly connected to outer casing 4D. The second rotation
arresting means are likewise generally designated with 6 and also
comprise a holder 26 with friction material 36 and adjusting screw
46. Holder 26 is now attached fixedly to bush 34A. This fixing is
similar to the fixing to 24D as shown in FIG. 1C. The friction
material is preferably chosen such that it allows rotation of
tubular member 24D, 31 respectively and simultaneously locks the
set rotation position. Various suitable types of friction material
which meet these requirements are known in the field. Several
non-limitative examples are: plastic, such as high-molecular
polyethylene (HMPE), Teflon or synthetic rubber, and natural
rubber.
[0033] In the shown preferred embodiment mounting system 1 is
intended for a board which is an electronic whiteboard. A mounting
support 3 is added for the associated projector 30. Support 3 is
situated on a tubular member 33 which can preferably slide into
tube 31.
[0034] FIG. 1D shows an alternative to the first and second
rotation arresting means of FIG. 1C.
[0035] The only difference between the alternative first rotation
arresting means of FIG. 1D relative to those of FIG. 1C is that
holder 26 now clamps on leg 4D and is attached fixedly to wall
support 24, which is fixedly connected to tubular member 24D.
[0036] Alternative second rotation arresting means (see FIG. 1 E)
can be embodied in similar manner. Holder 26 is then connected
fixedly to one of the fixing elements 32, which are connected
fixedly to tubular member 31 of leg 4C, and then clamps on bush 34A
and/or bush 34B. This fixing is similar to the fixing to 4D as
shown in FIG. 1C.
[0037] FIG. 1 E shows a second preferred embodiment of mounting
system 1. The second preferred embodiment differs from the first in
respect of the height arresting means, wherein a damper 47 is now
added to actuator 5 in order to damp particularly the downward
movement. Damper 47 can for instance be a gas spring. The
alternative rotation arresting means of FIG. 1D are also
incorporated herein.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a third preferred embodiment of mounting system
1, which is fixed to wall 100. The third preferred embodiment
differs from the first in respect of the height arresting means,
which are now embodied as a spring 7, for instance a gas spring.
Because the weight of mounting system 1 itself and that of board 2
and projector 3 must be compensated, it is possible to use an
adjustable spring or to make the point of engagement of spring 7
displaceable.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of mounting
system 1, which is fixed to wall 100. The fourth preferred
embodiment differs from the first preferred embodiment in respect
of the embodiment of the rotation arresting means. The rotation
arresting means comprise an alternative arresting device 13, but
without operating means. The inner side of a fork-like element 14,
which clamps on the tube, is covered with friction material. A pull
rod 16 ensures that arresting device 13B on the wall side is
released simultaneously with arresting device 13A on the operating
side.
[0040] FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B illustrate the alternative rotation
arresting means of FIG. 3 in more detail.
[0041] Depending on the desired friction on the points of rotation,
it can also suffice for a good operation to provide for sufficient
friction on the tube: with arrest 13 or with a clamping ring 6 with
suitable brake lining or rubber. In this case FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B
are not relevant.
[0042] A mechanical operation of arresting device 13 is elaborated
in FIG. 4. Arresting device 13B on the wall side is co-displaced
from the front operating means using a pull rod 16. Electromagnetic
operation is otherwise also an option.
[0043] Three versions are shown; FIG. 4 shows at top right the
direction in which the forces are exerted during operation
according to system A, B and C respectively. System A is the
simplest, but imparts a movement in the direction of the leg of
mounting system 1: this seems unnatural to the user. Systems B and
C have also been developed for this reason. In these cases the
point of rotation of the operating means is situated behind board
2. An eccentric point of rotation ensures that, irrespective of the
position of the digital board, the force is transferred to
arresting device 13 by a sliding sleeve 18. Pressure pin 19-1 or
pressure ring 19-2 transfers the force to sliding sleeve 18. A ball
can be added at 19-1 or a bearing at 19-2 to allow smoother running
thereof. The operation of eccentric 20 is possible in different
ways, wherein the forces are at right angles to the digital board
in system B and parallel to the digital board in system C.
[0044] Operating system B of FIG. 4 is further developed in FIG.
5A.
[0045] A flattened part 20-1 of operating rod 21-1 is tilted so
that pressure pin 19-1, and thereby also sliding sleeve 18, are
pressed upward.
[0046] Operating system C of FIG. 4 is developed further in FIG.
5B.
[0047] This system makes use of a swing arm 21-2 to operate
eccentric 20-2. This can hereby be moved up or downward with one
hand, wherein arresting device 13 is released. The digital board
can be positioned more accurately when operated with two hands.
[0048] Parts of the operating systems B and C can be combined with
each other. A small tray in or on the bracket provides space for
the digital pen.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a fifth preferred embodiment which differs from
the first preferred embodiment in respect of the height arresting
means. Alternative height arresting means provided with a cable
construction 8, 9, 10, 11 with a counterweight 12 are applied
herein. The structure can be made weight-neutral by modifying the
weight and/or displacing attachment point 11 of cable 10.
[0050] In this case an adjustable friction (for instance a
tightening screw with spring at point B) can be made in one of the
pivot points, so that the digital board remains in place in more
stable manner and smaller differences in force are compensated.
[0051] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a number of the many positions in
which digital board 2 can be used with this mounting system 1.
Students always watch from the side of projector 3 and, depending
on the arrangement, this can be the whole class or a part
thereof.
[0052] By placing the fixing on the wall side on a spacing support
or pillar 22, the whole 1, 2, 3 can be mounted close to an existing
teaching board 23. In the drawing the right-hand side board is
removed herefrom (the light in classrooms generally enters from the
left, so it is better to place the digital board on the right-hand
side).
[0053] Arranging a fixed, writable whiteboard behind or adjacently
of the whole 1, 2, 3 is of course also possible.
[0054] Summarizing, the invention provides a mounting system which
makes it possible to use a digital board in different positions.
Use is made for this purpose of a rotatable parallelogram structure
behind the board, with rotation points close to the board and close
to the fixing on the wall. The rotation points are provided with an
arrestable friction so that the board remains in place in any
position. The parallelogram structure can pivot up and downward so
that the board is height-adjustable. The length of the legs is
equal to roughly half the width of the digital board. A linear
motor (actuator), a spring construction and/or counterweight is
used to displace the board up and downward and to compensate the
weight of the board, the projector and the own weight thereof.
[0055] Owing to the height adjustment the full height of the board
can be used optimally, and the board can moreover be used by
children or people in for instance a wheelchair.
[0056] If desired, the wall supports can be extended or be placed
on a pillar so that the structure can pivot adjacently of an
existing blackboard, for instance at the position of the current
right-hand side board. In this case the current chalkboard need not
be removed.
[0057] Finally, the invention is expressly not limited to the
described and shown embodiments, but also expressly includes all
possible combinations thereof.
[0058] The mounting system according to the invention is generally
suitable for mounting digital teaching boards and is described for
application with an electronic whiteboard. It will be apparent that
the mounting system according to the invention is however also
suitable for mounting other types of digital teaching board,
including touch screens such as LCD or plasma screens, in addition
to screens operating with other technologies, such as infrared and
ultrasonic technologies.
* * * * *